Zulu called for the ANC to discuss comments reportedly made by Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini apparently defending Manana.

Dlamini was quoted in the Sunday Times as saying there were worse offenders than him and the case against Manana had become a political tool.

Zulu said: "It's something that we as an organisation must deal with because she [Dlamini] also is in the forefront of defending women, she is the president of the ANC Women's League, and I know as a matter of fact, having worked with her too ... I know her feelings about violence against [women]

Manana's staff, meanwhile, issued a statement saying they continued to work with and support him

One of them also posted this tweet:

A selfie can tell a million stories, there is fact & there is fabrication. This image, of DM Manana and his support staff, is a FACT! Smiles pic.twitter.com/C1amdYyHS6